Even If Released, Pope Likely Won't Fully Join Easter Mass

The World - In Brief

March 5, 2005

VATICAN CITY -- Even if Pope John Paul II is released from the hospital in time for Easter, he is unlikely to fully participate in services marking Christianity's most solemn holiday. But the Vatican insists the 84-year-old pope, adapting his papacy to the limitations imposed by age and infirmity, doesn't have to utter a word to inspire the Roman Catholic faithful. Papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said Friday that the pope was expected to make another appearance at a window at Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic hospital Sunday, as he did last week. A final decision will be made today, Navarro-Valls said.